Riviera Travel Crete Uncovered

• Return flights and transfers
• 7nts in 4* accommodation
• Selected meals: Daily breakfast
• 13 included experiences
• Services of an Expert Tour Manager
• Checked luggage

• Discover Minoan treasures at both the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and the world-famous Knossos archaeological site on guided tours
• Visit a family-run agritourism estate where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch made with locally produced ingredients
• Hop on a chartered boat to Spinalonga and learn about its history on a guided tour
• Explore Chania’s charming streets before wandering through the Botanical Gardens, enjoying a herbal tea along the way
• Visit the Aptera archaeological site on a guided tour and the historic Monastery of the Holy Trinity

Day 1: Arrive in Crete
Fly to either Heraklion or Chania (depending on your departure airport). On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Heraklion

Day 2: Heraklion & Knossos
This morning, visit Heraklion’s famous archaeological museum on a guided tour, where you’ll discover vivid frescoes, masterpieces of goldsmithing and the mysterious Phaistos disc. Then, continue to Knossos. Once a vast palace, some areas have been reconstructed since it was rediscovered in the late 19^th century. Wander through the courtyards and corridors with a guide to learn about the stories of the palace. Afterwards, head to a family-run agritourismo where you’ll learn about traditional working practices and enjoy a delicious lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Plaka, Spinalonga Island & Agios Nikolaos
Begin the day with a visit to the coastal village of Plaka where you can relax with a cup of coffee before boarding a chartered boat over to Spinalonga Island. Once a Venetian stronghold, this island served as Europe’s last leper colony until 1957, after which it has remained uninhabited. During your visit, learn about both its ancient fortifications and modern history. Return to the mainland and travel along the coast to Agios Nikolaos where you have free time to have lunch and take in the waterfront. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 4: Margarites, Rethymno & Souda Bay
Head to the village of Margarites, known for its abundance of potters, where you can watch the local crafters in action. After some time here, continue to Rethymno, one of Greece’s best preserved medieval towns, with both Venetian and Ottoman influences visible as you take a short orientation tour. This afternoon, visit the Commonwealth Military Cemetery at Souda Bay before continuing to Chania where you’ll check into your hotel.

Day 5: Chania & Botanical Gardens
Following breakfast, head out on a walking tour of the town, seeing the Venetian harbour, the former Ottoman quarter of Splanzia and the old city walls. Later, take a journey to the Botanical Gardens of Crete, built to resort the land after a devastating fire. There’s a 2km path that takes you through the gardens and after exploring independently, you’ll stop to enjoy a tasting of teas made with the herbs grown here. Return to Chania in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 6: Free Day in Chania
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Chania at your own pace, perhaps visiting the Maritime or Archaeological Museums or hunting for a locally made craft or delicious local produce at the markets. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, simply head to one of the nearby beaches.

Day 7: Aptera & Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Begin the day with a visit to Aptera, formerly a Minion and Classical city-state. On the hilltop site, you ca see the ancient theatre, Roman cistern and the fortifications, all while soaking in views over Souda Bay. Later, continue to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, a magnificent 17^th-Century complex where you’ll explore the museum that houses artifacts that reflect centuries of Orthodox tradition on the island. Finish your visit with a trip to the monastery’s cellars where you’ll learn about its long wine-making history and try some of the monks’ own wine and olive oils Return to Chania for a free evening.

Day 8: Return home
At the appropriate time, check out your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home

Capsis Astoria, Heraklion****
Located next to the Archaeological Museum, this hotel offers easy access to key sights. The hotel offers a rooftop pool, restaurant, bar and a gym. The rooms are equipped with a TV and tea/coffee making facilities

Galaxy Hotel, Heraklion****
Sitting just 15mins walk from the city centre, this modern hotel offers rooms with private balconies as well as a restaurant and a wellness centre

Kydon Hotel, Chania****
This hotel is located opposite the main market and just a few minutes from the Old Town. Onsite you’ll find a bar and café and the rooms are equipped with a tv, minibar, safe and tea/coffee making facilities

Samaria Hotel, Chania****
This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms are equipped with a tv and air conditioning. In the hotel, you’ll also find a pool, fitness centre and a cosy lobby

Please note the use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotels. The pools usually operate from mid-May to early October, depending on weather conditions.

Fact File

• Currency: Euro
• Flight time: Approx. 3 hrs 35 mins
• Language: Greek
• Time zone: GMT+2
• Country: Greece

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic

Exclusive prices available on request. Our Pricing Policy.